Get to know the Crypto candidate better: Jerrod Sessler

Jerrod Sessler is running as a Republican for Washington's 4th Congressional District in the United States House against incumbent Dan Newhouse, a Republican who has served as Speaker since 2015.

The GOP newcomer is an entrepreneur and founder of the HomeTask repair service. Sessler served in the US Navy and was a former NASCAR driver. According to Sessler's video statement, he strongly opposes the centralization of digital assets:

“Let me be clear: centralizing crypto not only destroys purpose and freedom, but creates a voucher system for countries or peoples who agree to adopt such a system.Decentralized crypto is not controlled or visible. for the government”

The congressional candidate continued, “Those who want to destroy American freedom also want to centralize cryptos. As a Congressman, I am completely and utterly opposed to the centralization of crypto in America.

Sessler's views on centralization are not limited to crypto. In a separate statement, Sessler pledged to help fight the centralization of sprawling government bureaucracies and the arbitrary controls they create.

The candidate answered 10 questions about his views on digital assets and blockchain technology sent by Cointelegraph via email.

Related: Better Know a Crypto Candidate: John Avalon

Name: Jerrod Sessler

Party: Republican

Race: US House of Representatives, Washington's 4th Congressional District

Cointelegraph: What is your position on stablecoins? Should they be regulated like traditional financial instruments, and if so, how?

Jerrod Sessler: If you control a stablecoin similar to traditional finance, you give control to the people who oppress you, just like they do with the United States dollar (USD).

CT: Do you support the development of CBDC (digital dollar) in the US? Why or why not?

JS: Yes, I think it's important for America, but there should never be a mandate to use a centralized system if there is no choice to decentralize.

CT: Stablecoins are positioned as a way to extend the dominance of the US dollar for decades, do you agree with this plan, why or why not?

JS: I think they provide a stepping stone to help people feel more comfortable entering the crypto space.

CT: What role do you think Congress should play in regulating DeFi, and what specific risks or benefits do you see?

JS: My position on government regulation is primarily related to public safety. Risks, if any, must be clearly defined. If it is fraud, of course, this should not be allowed. If it is a legitimate business practice or tool, it should be allowed. The nature of closed systems reduces the government's ability to control its internal operations – this is a good thing.

CT: What role do you believe the SEC and/or CFTC should play in regulating the cryptocurrency industry?

JS: Very little. Without compromising the decentralized nature of the systems – if necessary – certain steps can be taken to protect investors and provide stability.

CT: Some traditional banks are starting to integrate cryptocurrency services. Do you support this trend, and how should Congress approach the regulation of banks involved in crypto activities?

JS: No need for congressional regulation. Currently, most banking regulation is detrimental to the end user. Congress is charged with managing the money, not the various distributive instruments.

CT: Do you personally own any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, and how does that affect your stance on these issues?

JS: Yes, I am learning day by day, and exploring more in this space. I am definitely not an expert, but this is clearly the direction of the future.

CT: Looking ahead, where do you see the future of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies in the US in the next 10 years? What role will Congress play in shaping that future?

JS: My hope is to learn enough about the space to help and assist our great nation in this process so that we can maintain fiscal leadership throughout the world without taking away the personal freedoms that I believe are important to individuals in the field. Digital currency space.

CT: What is your position on self-protection of digital assets?

JS: It's a matter of mine as well, because I know that some assets will be lost because individuals may not understand the dangers of self-management due to lack of clear organization and record keeping. I am concerned about asset storage theft and lack of security that could compromise access codes.

CT: What role do you think a candidate's view on digital assets should play among voters in an election year?

JS: It's important. It's also important that we choose people who understand and have some insight into where AI is taking us as a society. The general public doesn't understand the massive changes we're about to see in the next decade driven by digital currency and AI.

Magazine: Legislators' fear and skepticism fuel proposed crypto regulations in the US.